Debra Taylor Lewis

I work with all types of financial institutions — from $50 million asset sized community banks, to $500 billion banks — as well as other companies that offer financial services, such as insurance companies and credit unions. I also do real estate and transactional work for all types of corporate entities as well as municipalities.

I represent indenture trustees, underwriters, and credit enhancers in both taxable and tax-exempt bond transactions and to maximize recoveries in workouts of these type of transactions through my practical knowledge of the bond markets and the structure and documentation of bond transactions.

I’m all about making the world better for the people who come behind me. One of the ways I accomplish this goal is through my work on the boards of the Women’s Fund. Through collaboration with existing agencies, this organization provides impoverished single mothers with the services they need, such as access to childcare and housing, so they can attain a technical degree and become self-sustaining. The objective is to not only help improve the lives of the mother and her family, but is multi-generational to end the cycle of poverty. I’m very proud of the work we do. It makes a big difference in our community. I am also a member of the Oasis Advisory Board and a member of the Downtown Rotary Club. 

There will be continued pressure on banks due to increased interest rates and pressures on the energy industry. Financial institutions will continue to feel the effects of rising compliance costs and regulatory pressure, while experiencing the need to increase their profitability. To counter these challenges, in the short term, you’ll see banks thinking outside the box by getting into other lines of business, such as insurance and wealth management services. Success will mean finding ways to grow, whether organically or through acquisition. If you’re a small bank, that may mean consolidation. I believe we’ll see more mergers in the banking industry, especially among small banks, to increase economies of scale, particularly in the compliance and IT area.

I am a people person and my favorite part of my law practice is interacting with my smart clients. It is exciting to collaborate with them as they navigate through this rapidly changing world. I love hearing about their concerns and then helping them develop a plan to resolve the issue(s). With my three decades of experience, I am able to identify trends and advise my clients on how to plan and act with deliberation, rather than reacting.